Audi e-tron Quattro confirms specs in production model

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Audi has been releasing an onslaught of hybrid concept vehicles lately, and the hybrid that has been in the works quite a while is the Audi e-tron Quattro. Audi recently released updated information about the Audi e-tron quattro since its debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The updated information confirms many of the technical specs that we would expect in the production model.

The Audi e-tron Quattro is a four-wheel drive sedan, which is powered by a 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine producing 211 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The engine is assisted with a pair of electric motors that are mounted up front and back; the front motor is rated at an equivalent of 45 horsepower and 156 ft-lb of torque, while the rear motor is rated at 81 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The parallel hybrid powertrain system is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, which transfers to a torsional limited slip differential, and then to any four wheels with the most traction. Of course, torque vectoring is all managed by an onboard electronic traction system.

Battery power is made possible with a lithium-ion battery pack, which is placed along the central tunnel of the car to provide a balance weight distribution. The lithium-ion battery is rated at 9.4 kWh, and can be recharged with a standard wall outlet at home. If using a 230V outlet, it takes only two hours to charge the battery to full capacity.

In normal driving mode, the Audi e-tron Quattro takes advantage of the front electric motor to provide maximum fuel efficiency along with the gasoline engine. While the rear electric motor automatically comes on when more power is needed, such as acceleration needed for lane changing.

In pure electric mode, the Audi e-tron Quatrro reaches speed of up to 62 mph and travels up to 25 miles before the gasoline engine automatically kicks in. If more power is needed, the pair of electric motors automatic come on to provide an additional 110 hp.

To further enhance energy efficiency, the Audi e-tron Quattro is equipped with an energy recovery system in the brakes and rear electric motor. These components act as chargers to regenerate energy to the battery pack during braking and deceleration. Another element to improve fuel efficiency is the use of light weight materials such as aluminum parts and carbon fiber reinforced polymers throughout the car.

The Audi e-tron Quattro is currently under harsh, cold weather testing, and we expect it to arrive by late 2013.